Anti-Money Laundering Group Gives Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit Star Award Of Excellence

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July 16, 2022

The Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) has won the highest award of EXCELLENCE also called the BECA award of excellence jointly sponsored by the World Bank and the U.N.

The Unit scored the highest points and emerged as the best in best intelligence cases nomination among the 164 countries membership of the Egmont Group.

In a statement issued on Saturday, and signed by Ahmed Dikko, Chief Media Analyst, he said the award was received on Thursday during the Plenary of the global financial intelligence units group in Riga, Latvia.

According to him, on the same occasion, the NFIU also received the Egmont Group certificate of appreciation for offering its ICT Team to work and redevelop its global intelligence exchange software, which the Plenary also approved to replace the earlier version developed by the U.S.

While commending the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit, Mr Jerome Beaumont, a French National and Executive Secretary of the group described the NFIU as “a team with highly knowledgeable and very efficient personnel”.

Mr Dikko said that this is not the first time the NFIU is getting these international awards this year, as at the end of May 2022 in Senegal, the Unit won three different awards from ECOWAS.

The Intergovernmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA), gave the NFIU a star award for mentorship, as well as two other awards for “valuable contribution to the region” and the third one in collaboration achievement.

The Director/CEO of the NFIU, Mr Modibbo Tukur while commenting on the feat of winning the five highest international awards in West Africa and the world within a period of three months, said “we tried to assemble the best team from day one.

We moulded each staff into becoming a technician of himself. We niched ourselves into the global intelligence community. Once you come to us we always try to give you exactly what you are looking for”.

The Director added that “we also spend all our money on training our staff. We train our staff in West Africa and other places in the continent such as Kenya and Tanzania.

My staff are always on their way to the U.S, UK, and Israel. We sent our staff to even Saudi Arabia, we are in Austria, Hungary etc.

Nigerian Air Force To Assist Liberia Armed Forces Establish Country’s Air Wing

By

Angel Gimalo

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July 16, 2022

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The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), has promised to assist the Armed Forces of Liberia(AFL), develop its airpower capability.

Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Oladayo Amao, who made this known, said stated that the NAF would provide the necessary technical and engineering support to ensure the activation of the AFL Air Wing for.

Amao, gave the assurance when he received the Chief of Staff (CoS), AFL Major General Prince Charles Johnson III, in his office at the Headquarters NAF (HQ NAF), Abuja, Nigeria’s seat of power.

Represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans (COPP), Air Vice Marshal Charles Ohwo, the CAS, While noting that the NAF was responsible for the training for the only two existing pilots in the AFL, promised to train more pilots to ensure the smooth operationalization of its Air Wing.

While calling on the AFL to take advantage of NAF’s technical and engineering schools for non-pilot courses such as the Air Traffic Control and ground support crew, Amao, said the NAF would support the AFL in providing airlift capability for AFL contingent to the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission (MINUSMA) in Mali once the request is made.

“Whenever you have pilots for further training, be rest assured that our training schools are open for them to become full-fledged pilots under the Nigerian Air Force pilots training programme”.

Earlier In his remarks, Major General Prince Charles Johnson III, said he was in Nigeria to further strengthen the bilateral ties between the AFL and Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) and to appreciate the AFN for its support to Liberia over the years especially during the civil war.

He said presently, the country’s strategic military objective was to establish an Air Wing or Air Reconnaissance Unit for the AFL as prescribed by Liberian’s National Defence Act which is yet to be actualized.

He solicited NAF’s technical assistance to facilitate the establishment of its Air Wing, considering NAF’s expertise in airpower, just as he noted that Nigeria’s military assistance to Liberia was numerous and cannot be over emphasized.

Dennis On Target In Watford’s Wycombe Wanderers Pre-season Friendly

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Emenike Agu

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July 16, 2022

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Emmanuel Dennis scored once as Watford defeated Wycombe Wanderers 4-1 in a pre-season friendly at their London Colney training ground on Saturday afternoon.

Dennis scored Watford’s third goal in the 52nd minute.

The striker fired home from close range after Joao Pedro’s shot was parried into his path.

Senegal forward, Ismaila Sarr, put the Hornets ahead from the penalty spot in the second minute.

Sarr added the second four minutes after the break.

Ryan Tafazolli reduced the deficit for Wycombe Wanderers a few minutes later.

Substitute Yasser Asprilla added the fourth for Watford on the dot of 90 minutes following a cut-back from the right.

Dennis’ international teammates; Samuel Kalu, Maduka Okoye and William Troost-Ekong were all in action for Watford in the game.

Former Flying Eagles midfielder, Tom Dele-Bashiru was also paraded for 15 minutes by Watford.

Exploring Salt Lick Safari Lodge Kenya, One Of World’s Most Photographed Lodges

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Angel Gimalo

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July 16, 2022

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For decades Salt Lick Safari Lodge has been one of Kenya’s flagship lodges, famed for being among the World’s Most Photographed Lodges.

A favourite amongst travellers in search of luxury accommodation, Salt Lick Safari Lodge is a luxurious safari escape set in the heart of the Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary overlooking a waterhole and the vast Tsavo plains.

The Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary is nestled within the Eastern Arc Range of Mountains inscribed by UNESCO as a biodiversity hotspot hosting varied endemic wildlife species and a myriad of unique flora.

Salt Lick Safari Lodge’s charm is evident from the outset.

Kilimanjaro’s snowy peaks can be seen from the lodge. The Sarova Salt Lick Game Lodge features a unique architectural design and style.

The entire property is built above ground, conforming to the traditional architecture of the Taita people who live the region.

The rondavels built on stilts are an imaginative reproduction of the ancestral abodes.

The lodge has 96 oval rooms, all overlooking a waterhole.

Retired British engineer, John Corry Firth, 80, who now lives in Lincolnshire, England, is credited with coming up with the master-piece design that continues to marvel Kenya’s hospitality industry.

Firth has listed Salt Lick Lodge as one of his most memorable projects in Kenya.

There were others in far-flung locations like Keekorok deep inside the Maasai Mara, Kisumu, Bungoma, Kitale, Njoro, Kitale and Kericho.

Firth remained as a technical advisor after leaving Kenya and went on to Oman where he worked as an advisor to the Sultan of Oman.

He was chief advisor to the United Nations Development Programme in Tanzania and was engaged in the development of the country’s political capital, Dodoma.

He has also worked in Iraq as a technical advisor to the country’s Ministry of Transport and in Kuwait as resident engineer in the construction of a marina.

He was also resident engineer for the upgrade of Britain’s radar facilities at the Royal Airforce Flyingdales in Yorkshire.

There is an underground tunnel at Sarova Salt Lick, which is a wonderful spot for viewing wild game such as elephants and buffaloes that come to drink from the water pan near the lodge.

The lodge is located within the Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, adjacent to the Tsavo West National Park.

The wildlife sanctuary consists of 28,000 acres of semi-permeable terrain. This, in turn, forms part of the greater Tsavo Eco-system that covers about 40,000 square kilometres.

The sanctuary nestles in the lower zone of the surrounding Taita Hills that form part of the Eastern Arc Mountain ranges, which are recognised by the International Union for Nature Conservation and the Worldwide Fund for Nature as a conservation area of global significance.

Here, the overall game viewing experience is enhanced because the sanctuary lies within the wildlife migratory corridor that links Tsavo West and Tsavo East national parks.

Within the sanctuary is a large dam and smaller ponds where young crocodiles and different species of fish are raised.

Future attractions will include hippos and rhinos.

“As part of nature conservation efforts, we are keen to make local communities and guests more aware of conservation matters through an elaborate tree-planting programme within the sanctuary,” says Willie Mwadillo, General Manager of both the Sarova Salt Lick Lodge and Sarova Taita Hills Lodge.

Transfer: Nigeria’s Calvin Bassey Close To 20m Ajax Move

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Emenike Agu

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July 16, 2022

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Rangers defender, Calvin Bassey, is closing in on a £20m move to Eredivisie champions, Ajax Amsterdam.

Ajax and Premier League club, Brighton & Hove are stuck in battle to sign Bassey from Rangers.

It was earlier reported that Ajax have submitted a £19m bid for the 22-year-old which was rejected by Rangers.

Brighton reportedly offered £16m for the player.

Rangers are demanding £25m from potential suitors.

According to ESPN, Ajax have improved their offer to £20m and Rangers are now willing to allow Bassey join the former European champions.

Bassey already spoke to Ajax manager Alfred Schreuder and has a five-year contract ready.

The Nigerian international joined Rangers from Leicester City two years ago for £230,000. He has two years left on his contract.

Journeyman Balotelli On Verge Of Joining Sion

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Emenike Agu

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July 16, 2022

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Former Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli is reportedly in talks over a move to Swiss team Sion .

The Italian is currently one year into a three year deal with Turkish Super Lig side Adana Demirsport. He impressed for them last season, scoring 19 goals in 33 games, including five goals in one outing against Goztepe.

Balotelli has become something of a journeyman striker and represented nine clubs in the past 13 years. His returns are often inconsistent, but as his best he is a creative and powerful forward.

Sion President Christian Constantin told Blick he had been in talks with the 31-year-old forward ‘for weeks.’

He added: ‘Today it is impossible for me to make a forecast about the chances of success of the transfer.

‘We wanted to remain discreet, but the information apparently leaked in Italy. This is a signal that there is interest on both sides.’

The President heaped praise on the striker, saying: ‘If you only talk about talent, Mario had what it takes to win the Ballon d’or’

Blick also reported that Balotelli is keen to leave Turkey, and that there has been interest in him from Sevilla.

The Swiss league would be an interesting location for the Italy international. On the one hand, he is not recognised as the force he once was after two years outside of Europe’s top five leagues.

He is only 31, though and comes with excellent pedigree after winning the Premier League, Champions League and three Serie A titles.

Balotelli would undoubtedly be an excellent acquisition for Sion and a statement for the Swiss league as a whole, but some may feel the Italian striker should be aiming higher.

Transfer: Bayern Munich Will Not sign Ronaldo After Lewandowski’s Departure To Barcelona

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Emenike Agu

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July 16, 2022

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Bayern Munich director, Hasan Salihamidzić, has insisted they will not sign Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United to replace Robert Lewandowski.

The Bundesliga champions have agreed €50million with Barcelona for Lewandowski.

The 33-year-old has remained adamant about his desire to leave Bayern this summer and is now set to sign a three-year contract with Barca.

This leaves Bayern looking to replace their talismanic centre-forward.

One of the names they have been linked with is Ronaldo, who is also angling for a move away from Old Trafford.

But Salihamidzić told SPORT1: “I have a lot of respect for Cristiano Ronaldo, his successes and his career.

“But once again: that was and is not a topic for us.”

Barcelona Reach Agreement With Bayern Munich To Sign Poland Striker, Lewandowski

By

Emenike Agu

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July 16, 2022

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Robert Lewandowski

Barcelona have reached a “verbal agreement” with Bayern Munich to sign Poland striker Robert Lewandowski, says the Bayern president.

The 33-year-old, who has one year left on his Bayern contract, told the club last month that he wishes to leave.

Lewandowski scored 50 goals in 46 games last season as he helped Bayern win a 10th straight Bundesliga title.

“It’s good to have clarity for all parties,” said Bayern president, Herbert Hainer.

Once Upon A Time – July 16 – 1661 – 1st Banknotes In Europe Are Issued By Bank Of Stockholm

By

Angel Gimalo

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July 16, 2022

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1519 Public debate between Martin Luther and theologian Johann Eck at Pleissenburg Castle in Liepzig, during which Luther denies the divine right of the Pope

1809 La Paz, Bolivia declares its independence from the Spanish Crown and forms the Junta Tuitiva led by Pedro Domingo Murillo, the 1st independent government in Spanish America

1940 Adolf Hitler orders preparations for the invasion of Britain (Operation Sealion)

Historical Events Today
Today in Film & TV
2017 BBC announces first ever female Doctor Who will be played by Jodie Whittaker

Today in Music
1782 Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s opera “Die Entführung aus dem Serail” premieres in Vienna with Mozart conducting

Today in Sport
2017 Wimbledon Men’s Tennis: Roger Federer beats Marin Čilić 6-3, 6-1, 6-4 for a record 8th Wimbledon men’s title

MORE FACTS…
1661 1st banknotes in Europe are issued by Bank of Stockholm

1439 Kissing is banned in England (to stop the Black Death from spreading)

Famous Weddings
1857 Confederate general Thomas Jackson (33) weds Mary Anna Morrison in Lincoln County

1892 Impressionist Painter Claude Monet (51) weds longtime companion Alice Hoschedé

1960 American actress Vera Miles (30) weds American actor-director-screenwriter Keith Larsen (36)

Osun Decides: PDP Defeats Ruling APC Near Government House

By

Rhoda Onuzulike

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July 16, 2022

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The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the governorship election in Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has won the polling unit inside the Government House in Osogbo.

While Adeleke of the PDP polled 117 votes at Agowande/ Oshogbo GRA/ Governor’s office polling unit, Oyetola, who ran on the platform of the APC) trailed with 106 votes.

The polling unit is located at Olorunda Local Government Area.